TOPEKA — Some conservative Republican legislators in Kansas oppose a bill that would give the state’s top parks official more flexibility in setting rental fees for cabins at state parks and fishing lakes. The Senate approved the measure Wednesday, 29-11 . It would end a requirement that the state Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission approve changes in cabin-rental fees. The bill also would eliminate a $250-per-night cap on the fees. Some conservatives objected to eliminating the cap and Republican Sen. Caryn Tyson of Parker questioned why the state is in the cabin-rental business. Kansas has 115 cabins at 25 sites,…
Author: KMAN Staff
WICHITA — Farmers are struggling to pay back their loans after years of low crop prices, with farm delinquencies rates in Kansas and the nation the highest they have been in at least nine years. But Kansas delinquency rates are holding up better when compared to national numbers that show one in five direct loans in the Farm Service Agency are now delinquent. Here’s a look at some Kansas farm debt numbers: DELINQUENCY RATES: The delinquency rates for direct loans at the Agriculture Department’s Farm Service Agency in Kansas this January was 11.3 percent, compared to 9 percent for the…
TOPEKA — The future of the ombudsman position at the Kansas Department for Children and Families is unclear. In the past, the ombudsman was available for parents who were frustrated with the agency for some reason. The department’s new leaders plan to expand its team devoted to responding to foster families. Spokesman Mike Deines said Wednesday the team may not include an ombudsman because there are other ways to address families’ concerns. The Wichita Eagle reports the ombudsman position has been controversial. Because the ombudsman was a DCF employee, skeptics suggested the position did not have the independence to hold…
Officers filed a report for escape from custody at the Riley County Jail on February 27, 2019, at approximately 7:35 AM. Officers listed the State of Kansas as the victim when a known male suspect did not return to the Riley County Jail. The suspect was located and returned to the Riley County Jail.
American Association of University Women International Women’s Day committee members Mary Stamey and Mary Ng’ang’a joined In Focus Thursday for a preview of International Women’s Day coming up March 7 at the Holiday Inn Manhattan at the campus. Pawnee Mental Health Executive Director Robbin Cole and C Clyde Jones joined us to talk mental health and preview the upcoming Mardi Gras for Mental Health pancakes for Pawnee event happening March 5.
The jury is deliberating after lawyers presented their closing arguments in the trial of Mark Harrison, the sixth day of what was expected to be a six day trial in Riley County District Court. Harrison, a 38-year-old Manhattan engineer, is charged with three counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer after a standoff that resulted in RCPD Sgt. Pat Tiede being shot in the leg in January 2018. The jury went to lunch and then will discuss the evidence and come to a verdict or guilty or not guilty on the four charges. They could find Harrison guilty…
The Riley County Police Department is getting ready for this weekend’s Fake Patty’s Day event. KMAN spoke with RCPD Captain Richard Fink on their preparation and tactics for the weekend. Fink says they are using data they have collected over the years to help them for this year’s celebration. These numbers will help assign the needed number of officers to the neighborhoods and Aggieville based on historical data. The department’s main goal for the event is maintain control of the crowds in and around Aggieville. “Each year we look at where we are having our most calls for service, what…
Wednesday’s guest on In Focus were USD 378 Riley County Superintendent Cliff Williams, USD 384 Blue Randolph Superintendent Brady Burton, Riley County Emergency Management Coordinator Laurie Harrison, K-State Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Bear, and Fort Riley Emergency Manager Chris Hallenbeck.
Officers filed a report for theft in the 500 block of Augusta Way in Manhattan on February 26, 2019, at approximately 4:30 PM. Officers listed Noah Dallier, 22 of Manhattan as the victim when it was reported a known male suspect took his cash. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $3,500.00. Shane Stokes, 21 of Manhattan was arrested while at the Riley County Police Department on February 26, 2019, at approximately 1:05 PM. Stokes was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for two counts of probation violation. Stokes was issued a total bond of…
The Black Student Union at Kansas State University has earned an award for academics and engagement for the 11th time in 14 years. The Clarence Wine Award for Outstanding Big 12 Council of the Year is awarded to undergraduate African-American student governments or councils in the Big 12 Conference. To win, the organizations must show commitments to academic achievement, scholarship, campus programming, community service and unity. The K-State BSU organization received the award at the Big XII Council on Black Student Government’s annual conference last week. With the goals of advancing the academic stability, political action and leadership of black…